Comic Quote by John Ralston Saul
“A foreigner is an individual who is considered either comic or sinister. When the victim of a disaster - preferably natural but sometimes political -the foreigner may also be pitied from a distance for a short period of time.”
About This Quote
The quote observes that outsiders are often stereotyped as either amusing or threatening, and that empathy toward them is fleeting, typically only when they suffer a disaster, after which they are viewed from a safe distance.
In simple terms: Outsiders are stereotyped and briefly pitied.
Key Takeaway
Stereotypes and conditional empathy.
Themes
stereotyping
otherness
empathy
disaster response
political context
social distance
Mood
reflective
critical
cautious
Type
observation
social commentary
When to use this quote
- media coverage of foreign crises
- political rhetoric about immigrants
- humanitarian aid debates
- cultural exchange events
Key Concepts
identity
perception
humanitarianism
social psychology
Practical Applications
- critical analysis of media narratives
- designing inclusive communication strategies
Questions to Reflect On
- How do stereotypes shape our response to foreign suffering?
- What mechanisms can turn temporary pity into lasting support?
A Different Perspective
Some argue that empathy can be sustained and lead to lasting solidarity, not just fleeting pity.
